Tehran: Russia has issued a stark warning that any attempt to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could trigger significant regional instability, equating such an act to opening "Pandora's box." This caution marks Russia's most emphatic stance on the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov conveyed this message during an interview with Sky News at the Constantine Palace in Saint Petersburg. Peskov labeled any potential regime change in Iran as "unacceptable," cautioning that it would likely provoke "extremist moods" within the nation. "Those who are speaking about (killing Khamenei), they should keep it in mind. They will open Pandora's box," Peskov asserted.
These comments follow remarks by US President Donald Trump, who indicated that he would decide within two weeks whether to support Israel's military actions against Tehran. Trump had also previously speculated online about the possibility of assassinating the Iranian leader.
"The situation is extremely tense and is dangerous not only for the region but globally," Peskov emphasized. He added, "An enlargement of the composition of the participants of the conflict is potentially even more dangerous. It will lead only to another circle of confrontation and escalation of tension in the region."
Russia's concerns stem from its strategic ties with Iran, which have strengthened notably after a strategic partnership agreement was signed in January, following the onset of the war in Ukraine. Moscow is wary of losing this key Middle Eastern ally.
When questioned about potential Russian retaliation if Khamenei were killed, Peskov highlighted the internal repercussions such an event would have within Iran. "It would lead to the birth of extremist moods inside Iran," he remarked.
Despite Trump's dismissal of President Vladimir Putin's offer to mediate, with a reported retort to "mediate your own conflict," Peskov minimized the significance of the statement. "President Trump has his own unique way of speaking and his unique language," he said. "We are quite tolerant and expect everyone to be tolerant of us."